Research

The most extensive theological library from Philadelphia to Chicago, Barbour Library gives users access to several hundred thousand books and microforms and many online databases, as well as a rare books room housing a priceless collection of classical theological works from the Reformation period, including books by John Calvin published during his lifetime, and a several-thousand-piece hymnology collection.

Services

Barbour Library extends reciprocal privileges to borrowers from a number of partner institutions and lends its volumes generously through interlibrary loan. The Library houses several public access computers and offers free public wireless access throughout the building. Printers, copiers, and microfilm/microfiche readers are also available for public use, and staff offer help with thesis-binding requests.

About

Dedicated in 1964, The Clifford E. Barbour Library is named after the former Seminary president who oversaw the consolidation of Western and Pittsburgh-Xenia seminaries to form Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Among the Library’s extensive holdings are The Warrington Collection of hymnology volumes, The Newburgh Collection of mostly 17th- and 18th-century theological works, and The Grier Collection of incunabula, early 16th-century imprints, first editions of many literary giants, and more. Artifactual treasures in Barbour Library include the desk, chair, and memorabilia of 20th-century Reformed theologian Karl Barth.

Help

Barbour Library offers online topical research guides to streamline navigating the Library’s collection and to facilitate paper- and thesis-writing. Online resources also include tutorials for exam/ordination-exam preparation, as well as writing and citation helps. Webpage answers to many frequently-asked questions add to the many resources available to on-site and online Barbour Library users.

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Archives and Special Collections

Barbour Library's archival and special collections materials are temporarily unavailable as they are being held in an off-site storage facility due to HVAC work.

About the PTS Archives

The Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is the result of several mergers following the founding of its earliest antecedent, Service Seminary, in 1794 by the Associate Presbyterian Church. The documents recording those mergers as well as the records of seminaries past and present, are housed in the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Archives.

The primary purpose of the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Archives is to provide for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use, and disposition of records. Records administration covers the management of records, regardless of age, to meet the administrative, financial, legal, and historical needs within the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s offices and departments.

The PTS Archives contains Seminary and antecedent seminary institutional records, manuscript collections, personal papers, photographs, and artifacts. Other materials housed in the Archives document the histories of the Associate, Associate Reformed, United Presbyterian, and Presbyterian (U.S.A.) congregations, synods, and general assemblies.

Special Projects

Internet Archive

What's New

Check out the newly processed collection on the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor, an international organization credited as the start of youth ministry. The collection at PTS contains materials primarily from the Allegheny County Chapter of Christian Endeavor from the 1890s and 1920s. It is also comprised of Pennsylvania State Chapter documents and a few national and international materials. Access Christian Endeavor Collection

Special Collections

The Library also houses a variety of special collection materials, the most significant being:

The John M. Mason Memorial Collection, consisting of rare theological works dating from the Reformation.

The Warrington Collection, which is comprised of several thousand valuable hymnals and song books from the estate of James Warrington of Philadelphia, and provides rich research materials for scholars of American and British hymnody.

The Louis N. Grier Collection was received in 1975 and contains approximately 1,120 titles including two incunabula, early 16th century imprints, 17th and 18th century British publications, first editions of British literary volumes, books on bookbinding, and examples of fine bookbinding.